"Please be aware that with the release of the pre-expansion 5.0.4 patch on Tuesday, August 28, all raid lockouts will be reset. This means that you will not be able to extend a raid lockout beyond the week before the patch release."

So it appears that subscribers will be able to join in the events which will open up Pandaria in less than two weeks.

While the date is no surprise - Guild Wars 2's official launch date is the same day after all - it should further ramp up the excitement for Mists of Pandaria.

Are you ready for the patch and the expansion? Or will this news give you your impetus to re-subscribe?

Also, be sure to check out the great content at Wowhead, including a full preview of the event as it hits.